NWF Provides Trees for Youth and Organizations to Improve Communities Through Tree Planting

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National Wildlife Federation’s Trees for Wildlife program helps communities and young people learn about the importance of trees for communities and wildlife.

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Trees are such an important part of our ecosystem, they provide such a wide array of benefits.

Reston, VA (PRWEB)January 14, 2014

National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is currently accepting applications for youth leaders and organizations wishing to hold a sapling tree planting event this Spring as part of NWF’s Trees for Wildlife program. The program aims to educate and prepare a generation of conservation stewards, expand the number of trees worldwide and protect and improve natural resources. As an educational program, it also provides activities to help young people learn about the importance of trees and how to plant and take care of trees for the future.

“Trees are such an important part of our ecosystem, they provide such a wide array of benefits,” said Eliza Russell, director of education programs at National Wildlife Federation. “Trees are homes providing food, water, shelter and places for wildlife to raise their young. These tree planting events which plant native sapling trees are not only improving communities but they help to ensure wildlife can survive and thrive for years to come.”

As part of the event, participants will learn about the many benefits of trees and their role in the environment, including:

Trees improve air quality, absorbing pollutants and filtering contaminants from the air.

Trees improve water quality, reduce flooding and erosion and slow evaporation through stabilizing stream beds and filtering water through leaves.

Trees help reduce energy costs for schools and homes by providing shade in the summer – reducing air conditioning costs – and acting as wind breaks in the winter.

Trees improve health by providing a calm and relaxing environment and help add to an overall sense of well-being. Hospital studies indicate that patients who have window views of trees and green spaces are calmer and more relaxed, and many heal faster.

Tree planting projects are a visible sign of a commitment to improving green space and community aesthetics.

Tree plantings and tree giveaway events in communities help the environment and provide people with opportunities to practice stewardship. NWF has provided a “how to” guide for identifying appropriate tree locations and planting procedures. All saplings that are planted will be native to the region where they are to be planted.

Due to an anticipated high volume of applications, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for a tree planting event, community giveaway event or a combination of both. The application deadline is February 21, 2014. Before applying, please review full guidelines to ensure eligibility. NWF’s Trees for Wildlife applications are available at: http://www.nwf.org/trees/apply.

Sponsor a Tree Planting

National Wildlife Federation is also seeking donations of trees to NWF’s Tree Bank. NWF’s Tree Bank was created through the generous contributions of members and supporters to provide trees, planting supplies and educational resources to schools, community groups and partners who plant the trees in their community. You can contribute to the fund by sponsoring trees, adoptions or donating.

Learn more about the Trees for Wildlife program and how to apply to potentially receive trees for a community service project: http://www.nwf.org/trees.